FALL
the most widely distributed travel publication in the mountains
Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains
MUSIC | FUN | FOOD | FESTIVALS
2013
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FALL 2013
9:30AM
Hit the Appalachian Trail to McAfee Knob.
1:00PM
Downtown shopping was a big hit.
10:00PM
Hit a comfortable pillow for a good nights rest.
It’s a Blue Ridge Day!
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center 540.985.5900 www.hotelroanoke.com
Virginia Museum of Transportation 540.342.5670 www.vmt.org
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center 877.200.3360 www.innatvirginiatech.com
Sheraton Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center 540.563.9300 www.sheraton.com/roanoke
Holiday Inn Tanglewood
540.774.4400 www.holidayinn.com/roa-tanglewood
Jefferson Center 540.345.2550 www.jeffcenter.org
Smith Mountain Lake
540.721.1203 www.visitsmithmountainlake.com
Dixie Caverns
540.380.2085 www.dixiecaverns.com
From a mountain top hike to a downtown shopping spree, the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge has the ideal mix of adventure, fun and relaxation.
www.visitvablueridge.com | 800.635.5535
Register online to win a Blue Ridge Mountains Getaway.
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FALL 2013
Forget your cares...
… and return to a place and time you thought had passed. Alleghany County and Sparta NC are home to the Blue Ridge Mountain community where Parkway construction began. And it is still home to a relaxed, rural pace of life that retains much of the unspoiled beauty that it shares with the famous scenic byway. With two state parks,New River and Stone Mountain, plus Doughton Park, the Parkway’s largest developed recreation area, camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and bicycling opportunities abound. The New River offers canoeing, tubing, kayaking and fishing and is a welcome respite from summer heat. Get schooled in mountain music at the Alleghany Jubilee’s weekly barn dance (alleghanyjubilee.com), the Monday jam at Crouse Park (coolsparta.com/ pickers) and at the big Fiddlers Convention (alleghanyfiddlersconvention.com). Events like the Blue Ridge Mountain Fair (coolsparta.com/brmfair) and Mountain
Sparta, NC / Alleghany County
Harmony Hill with a 360 degree view
Bed & Breakfast
20 minutes from the Parkway Exit at Mileposts 247, 229, 215
Bed & Breakfast
Heritage Festival (coolsparta.com/ heritage) highlight the area’s craft heritage. Enjoy down-home fun at distinctively local pastimes, such as lawn mower racing, the demolition derby, and mud slings . The community offers motels, bed and breakfast inns and vacation cabins to make your stay special. And there’s no better sleeping than snuggled under covers during cool mountain nights. When you visit, stop by the Visitors Center, 58 S. Main St., just 7 miles south of the US 21/Parkway intersection at Mile Post 229.6. Our welcome mat is always out and we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing.
MP 229.6 - 58 S. Main St. • Sparta, NC • 800-372-5473 • Cool Sparta.com Whether you are looking for a quiet stay in one of our quaint rooms, or a storybook outdoor wedding with a backdrop of trees and green hills, Harmony Hill is your perfect getaway. We are close to many area attractions, including wineries, golf courses, and New River State Park.
20 minutes from the Parkway Exit at Mileposts 247, 229, 215
336-209-0475
Sparta, NC harmonyhillbnb.com
Harmony Hill with a 360 degree view
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Whether you are looking for a quiet stay in one of our quaint rooms, or a storybook outdoor wedding with a backdrop of trees and green hills, Harmony Hill is your perfect getaway. We are close to many area attractions, including wineries, golf courses, and New River State Park.
336-209-0475
Sparta, NC harmonyhillbnb.com
Mountain Inspired Creations! Oil •Watercolor • Photography Wire Wrapped Jewelry • Candle Holders • Stained Glass • Pottery
Of Fine Art 103 Gallery Lane • Sparta, NC at Mile marker 234 at Mahogany Rock Road
336-372-1711 | 336-372-4321 | blueridgefineart.com
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Blue Ridge Digest
P.O. Box 1758 Asheville, NC 28802 Phone: (828) 667-1607 www.blueridgedigest.com All articles and information supplied are printed accurately to the best knowledge of the management. The Blue Ridge Digest is not responsible for errors beyond its control.
THANKS TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ASSOCIATION FOR THE USE OF THEIR CENTER-SPREAD MAP
Publisher: Thomas Hardy Design: Imagewerks Productions Need good design? Call (828) 681-8029
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Welcome to the Mountains! Thank you for making your vacation an All-American experience in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain area. Your vacation dollars go further on U.S. soil and by spending time in the mountains, you not only benefit communities and businesses in your own back yard, but avoid flight delays and exchange rates. Now more than ever, Americans are looking for ways to stretch their dollars, spend time with family and friends, reconnect to the wonders of the natural world, and, if only for a moment, take a breath of fresh air. The time you spend in the Blue Ridge Mountain area will provide all of this and more: go whitewater rafting, experience historic and cultural sites, find unique shopping areas, take a hike, taste delicious local foods, and just breathe the clean mountain air. Hopefully this issue of the Blue Ridge Digest will be an aid in planning your trip and a keepsake to remember your vacation in the mountains.
Enjoy your stay! Thanks for picking up this issue of THE DIGEST!
FALL 2013
CHIMNEY ROCK: Blue Ridge’s Favorite State Park
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himney Rock was recently named Favorite State Park and Best Beautiful Fall Foliage Spot by readers of Blue Ridge Country in the best of the Southeast mountains poll, along with five more top awards. The Park is best known for its 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure. Ancient geological features like Devil’s Head and the Opera Box, scenic hiking trails, wildlife programs and guided rock climbing attract visitors from around the world. The 535-million-year-old rock monolith is conveniently accessed via a 26-story elevator inside the mountain. John Mason, a selftaught, award-winning hammered dulcimer player of 30+ years can be found most days playing the dulcimer and entertaining guests with his stories at the base of Chimney Rock itself. Bird lovers flock here for the annual Flock to the Rock, the region’s premier fall migration birding event on Sept. 21-22, featuring expert-led guided bird walks, workshops and live Birds of Prey programs. Marvel at the grand finale of WNC’s legendary fall colors, peaking mid-Oct. to early Nov., and take a guided fall color or wildflower hike. Admire leaf colors from a new perspective—on a rope— by booking a rock climbing
On the Cover
lesson in advance with Fox Mountain Guides, no experience required. Or simply gaze at a stunning 404-foot waterfall from a distance. Don’t forget your camera! Grab a local burger with craft brews and relax to the tune of live Appalachian and bluegrass music on October
Explore a 535-millionyear-old rock!
Friday and Saturday evenings, 6-8pm, on the Old Rock Café’s riverside deck. The Park is located only 25 miles southeast of Asheville, N.C. off the Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 384.7. Open 8:30-7pm daily. Visit chimneyrockpark.com or call (800) 277-9611.
Enjoy a Slice of History The Living history encampment celebrates the crossing of the Blue Ridge Mountains by the Overmountain Men on their way to an eventual battle with British forces at Kings Mountain. The Museum of North Carolina Minerals in Spruce Pine,milepost 331 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, plays host to this annual event, and transforms the grounds into a colonial militia encampment at the head of
The second water fall at Graveyards Field off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 418.8. Courtesy of Greenhills Gallery, that specializes in photography of nature and history, located in Sweetwater, TN. To see more of their work visit: www.greehillsgallerytn.com Or contact them via Email at carolyn@greenhillsgallerytn.com or by phone at: 423-519-9086. www.greenhillsgallerytn.com
September 14, 2013 Gillespie Gap. The encampment provides a glimpse of various colonial activities, and tells the story of the Overmountain Men and the Battle of Kings Mountain. From 9am - 2pm guests are invited to stroll through the encampment taking part in various demonstrations and visiting with re-enactors. At 3pm a re-enactment of the battle will take place at the Orchard of Altapass, milepost 328 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The day is capped off with candlelight tours through the encampment at the Minerals Museum from 7pm-9pm.
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FALL 2013
Fabulous Fall in Wytheville, Virginia beautiful colors on the autumn leaves, varied and unusual. From bluegrass and traditional to beach and Americana, there will be music for every taste at the many concerts, festivals, and jams held in September and October. From Garlic Thyme at Beagle Ridge Herb Farm t will be Almost Heaven in to blacksmithing at Big Wytheville, Virginia this fall as Walker Lookout, there are Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre many interesting special presents the songs of John Denver events and festivals being as their latest production. But held. Don’t miss the first the variety of musical events Downtown Wytheville in the area will be like the Festival on Saturday, September 21 from 4-9 p.m. This new event is part of the community’s efforts to revitalize downtown and will include a cruisein featuring collectors and classic cars, as well as live music, children’s activities, a variety of vendors, food and a beer and wine garden. The area’s museums will feature new and special exhibits including a birthday celebration honoring Wytheville’s own First Lady, Edith Bolling Wilson. C-SPAN will feature Wilson in their series honoring first ladies on September 23.
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Don’t Miss it!
Chautauqua Festival Wine & Stein Fundraiser Saturday, Sept 14, 2013
Annual Chautauqua Festival Wine & Stein. Some of the local Virginia wineries and breweries will be available for you to taste and enjoy their beverages. There will be a silent and live auction, great local food, and music provide by the Old Pros. Enjoy the evening and a beautiful setting at Benny & Gale’s farm.
History Comes Alive at Big Walker: Blacksmithing Demonstration with Gary Robertson Saturday, Sept 21, 2013 & Oct 05, 2013 (12 PM-2 PM)
Virginia’s oldest privately owned attraction: Big Walker Lookout & Country Store offers the art and craftsmanship of 30 artisans and crafters that demonstrate their talents each weekend all summer long. Blacksmith artisan, Gary Robertson, of Wytheville will demonstrate at the hand forge and anvil, the art of the blacksmith. His minimalist approach to his art shows you don’t need every tool in the world to be a serious professional. See raw materials become a work of art! Finished pieces will be available for purchase. Come to the top of The Big Walker National Forest Scenic Byway between Bland and Wytheville, Virginia. Sparks will fly! Free to the public.
For all the details, go to VisitWytheville.com or facebook.com/visitwytheville.
CHEROKEE INDIAN FAIR
CHEROKEE, N.C.
Oct 1 - 5, 2013
Indians will celebrate again this year with plenty of music, dancing, crafts, exhibits and fun! Always a family friendly event, the annual fair jam-packs fun, excitement, community and entertainment into the week-long fair, which will engulf nearly all of the quaint mountain town of Cherokee. The Cherokee Indian Fair is a five-day event with each day themed to an important part of the Cherokee culture. From traditional Native American cuisine to carnival favorites like funnel cakes and snow-cones, fair-goers never have a reason to go hungry at the Cherokee Indian Fair. For more information about Cherokee, visit www.visitcherokeenc.com or call 800-438-1601.
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FALL 2013
PEANUTS
™ Pumpkin Patch Express T he leaves are turning this October and the pumpkins are ready to be carved! The PEANUTS gang return to the GSMR Pumpkin Patch this October. Ready for some family fun? PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express returns to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for 2013! The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz’s classic story “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” will be departing from the Bryson City Depot October 5 & 6, 11-13, 18-20 & 2527. Friday departures will be at 3:00 pm Saturday and Sunday departures will be at 11:30 am and 3:00 pm. Guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch.
Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During your 1 hour and 45 min layover, your activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include: campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment. And kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the Smoky Mountain Trains gift shop! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home. Adult tickets start at $55 and children ages 2-12 are $31, under 2 are complimentary.
An invigorating hike to the top
For more information and reservations please call 800-872-4681 or visit: www.grmrr.com
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Don't Miss the WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL! Oct 19 & 20
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or 34 year the town of Banner Elk has welcomed both old and new friends to the annual Woolly Worm Festival. They welcome more than 23,000 people to the community to make family memories and also to win the prestigious title of predicting the High Country weather and the chance to win the $1000 bounty! Get there early because the fun begins at 9:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with entertainment all day. Bring your dance shoes because you never know when a line dance will begin. Great music by local groups and check out the wace stage for impromptu guests. Enjoy over 140 food and craft vendors with their handcrafted items, plus rides, musicians and dance teams. For more info, contact the chamber at 800-972-2183 or visit their website at www.averycounty.com
or a ride that’s completely unexpected.
See Chimney Rock Differently. Tickets, Events and More Views: ChimneyRockPark.com
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FALL 2013
Patience, Elevation – Keys to Fall Color Viewing on Blue Ridge Parkway A
lthough peak color usually occurs throughout the Blue Ridge region during midlate October, there is no simple formula for predicting fall color. The intensity of fall color and time of peak color along the Blue Ridge Parkway vary by complex
environmental factors, as well as the genetic makeup of the plants themselves. The “best” fall color for an area occurs during the shortening days of autumn when days are bright, sunny and cool, when nights are cool but not below freezing, and when there
Shady Valley Cranberry Festival October 12, 2013
The Shady Valley Cranberry Festival takes place every year on the second weekend in October.
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he annual Cranberry Festival in Shady Valley! It’s been called “the best little festival in Tennessee. Free tours of the Nature Conservancy cranberry bog restoration sites. The Nature Conservancy has been working in Shady Valley for more than 30 years to preserve and restore the last of the mountain bogs here. Their bog restorations have been identified as the single most important factor in the long-term protection of rare wetland species such as the bog turtle and the wild cranberry.
From Bristol, follow Highway 421 South through Bristol and 18 miles south to Shady Valley. The festival begins Friday evening at 5 o’clock with the Bean Supper and Auction at the Shady Valley Elementary School. Saturday morning starts with the community pancake breakfast at the Shady Valley Volunteer Fire Hall beginning at 7 o’clock. A parade through Shady Valley with floats, tractors, horses and marching bands follows at 10 a.m. The free cranberry bog tours run from noon till 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.
has been ideal rainfall. Adequate rainfall also keeps the leaves on the trees longer and enhances the color. Wet, cloudy, warm weather or exceptionally low temperatures in early fall tend to mute the much anticipated autumnal display. Many visitors have been frustrated trying to go to one spot on one day in October, hoping to find the leaves in full color. Generally, leaves begin changing first on the highest peaks and conclude in the lower elevations making it a a far better plan to drive some distance on the Parkway, changing elevations and north-south orientation. The Parkway includes east and west facing slopes, and varies in elevation from just under 650 feet at James River in Virginia, to over 6,000 feet south of Mt. Pisgah in North Carolina. For more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway, please visit www.blueridgeparkway.org or download the free Blue Ridge Parkway – Travel Planner mobile app to your Android or iPhone device.
There are many types of trees that showcase their brilliant colors during fall. The following list is indicative of those tree varieties that may be seen throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway region. Birch – leaves turn yellow Blackgum – leaves turn deep red Dogwood – leaves turn deep red Oaks – leaves range from russet to maroon Red Maple – leaves present a range of color from yellow – maroon Sassafras – leaves turn vivid orange Sourwood – leaves turn deep red Tuliptree – leaves turn yellow
Radford’s Visitors Center
540-267-3153
(located inside Glencoe Musuem)
600 Unruh Drive Radford, VA 24141
www.VisitRadford.com
Riverfest/ Chili Cook Off
t 28 Riverway 5K - Sep
Haunted St Albans tours weekends: Oct 4-Nov 2
Highlander’s Festival October 12th
FALL 2013
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Time to Visit
Luray & Page County, VA ‘Scenic and Beautiful’ are top descriptions of Luray and Page County, Virginia
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cenic Page County offers year-round refreshment and relaxation–in addition to shopping and dining – in the charming communities of Luray, Shenandoah and Stanley. Area attractions include the legendary Luray Caverns; Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive; miles of hiking and biking trails; golf and a variety of sports on the beautiful Shenandoah River. Look for locally-produced food on restaurant menus. Wisteria Farm & Vineyard is the perfect spot for a picnic and a day in the country. Page County makes a beautiful destination for holidays – spend a romantic weekend in TLC’s Number Two Destination Wedding Locale. There are hotels, B&Bs and cabins galore! Your journey begins at the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce website at www.LurayPage.com. call them at 888-743-3915.
Historic Culture Friendly Atmosphere Natural Beauty
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FALL 2013
It’s Leaf Season in North Don’t Miss these Exciting Carolina’s High Country Events in Blowing Rock, NC this Fall!!
October 5, 2013 Blowing Rock Art in the Park 90 Artisans showcasing some of the best local and regional handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more! 877-750-4636 • www.blowingrock.com October 26, 2013 Blowing Rock Halloween Festival Trick-or-treating, scavenger hunt, and the Monster March! Free family fun. 3 9 pm 828-295-5222 • www.blowingrock.com November 29-30, 2013 Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town Santa, hot chocolate, live music, and the ceremonial Lighting of the Town on Friday. Christmas Parade on Saturday! 828-295-5222 • www.blowingrock.com November 30, 2013 Annual Thanksgiving Kiln Opening Be present at 10am at Traditions Pottery Studio to watch us unload the wood-fired kiln, and then make your selection. Entertainment all day. 828.295.3862 • www.traditionspottery.com Jan 23 - 26, 2014 Blowing Rock WinterFest Join the Village of Blowing Rock as we celebrate the fun side of winter at the 14th Annual Blowing Rock Winterfest! From the Wine Auction to the Chili Cook-Off and Live Bluegrass, Kids’ Activities and the Polar Plunge in Chetola Lake, there’s something for everyone! • 877-295-7801 www.blowingrockwinterfest.com
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he spectacular fall colors of the High Country of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, Wilkesboro and Beech Mountain will be on display as cooler weather and shorter days approach. Once again, the High Country’s “Fall Color Guy”, Dr. Howard Neufeld of Appalachian State University’s Department of Biology will be explaining and commenting on the change of the leaves in the mountains. You can follow the progress of the color and his forecasts on his website: http:// biology.appstate.edu/fall-colors In addition to the most spectacular display of leaf colors in the South, Fall brings a colorful parade of harvest festivals to North Carolina’s High Country. Kicking things off is Tweetsie’s Ghost Train Festival beginning Friday, September 27th and running every Friday and Saturday night through November 2nd as the ghouls come out to play and thrills and chills await you at every corner. On October 5th and 6th, you can walk the Yellow Brick Road and meet your favorite Oz characters. Visit Auntie Em’s farm and hide from the tornado in the basement, its all at the Autumn at Oz Party on Beech Mountain. The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro are filled with over 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions and four music stages for the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival on October 5th. Cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers, and square dancers provide additional entertainment venues. Local apple growers set up throughout the festival selling their apples, apple cider, and dried apples. The old railroad town of Todd celebrates its heritage and the music of the mountains at the Todd New River Festival on October
12th. Several different bands will perform and at least 30 craft and food vendors will display their creations. Young and old can view the antique tractors, steam engines and a working grist mill grinding corn and making corn meal on the festival grounds. On October 12th, join reenactors, artists, craftspeople, historians, musicians, storytellers and great cooks for the Boone Heritage Festival, an event celebrating Appalachian heritage. The festival will be held outdoors in the beautiful wooded setting of the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum. Named for that peerless predictor of winter weather, the 36th Annual Woolly Worm Festival takes place in Banner Elk on October 19th and 20th. More than 23,000 people will be welcomed to the community to make family memories and also to win the prestigious title of predicting the High Country weather and the chance to win the $1000 bounty! Concurrent with (October 19th only), and just across the mountain from, the Wooly Worm Festival, is the Valle Country Fair, is an overgrown church bazaar set in the center of one of the most picturesque valleys in the North Carolina mountains at the peak of the fall color season.
For more info on traveling to the High Country, contact the High Country Host Visitors Information Center at 800-438-7500 or visit 1700 Blowing Rock Rd. Boone, NC 28607 Mon-Sat 8-5 • Sun 8-3 • MountainsofNC.com
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FALL 2013
Mayberry’s Autumn Leaves October 11-13 the 47th Festival marks anniversary of Mount Airy, NC
one of North Carolina’s longest running and most successful events!
one thing for sure
you will...
Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival November 19, 2011
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he roster of artisans and craftspeople covers such media as pottery, paintings, textiles and jewelry. The unique arts and crafts of more than 200 craftsmen line the streets demonstrating their talents and skills passed down through the generations. Then, there is “Food for the Soul”, ham biscuits, collards and cornbread, barbeque, ground steak and more served with hospitality by local civic and service organizations. It’s a walker’s paradise with visual delights and mouthwatering treats at every stop.
HIDDEN
GEMS
The festival showcases the rich musical heritage, such as Old-time, Bluegrass and Gospel performed by local musicians on the downtown stage. It’s a toe tapping, foot stomping, handclapping kind of weekend.. The festival began as a celebration of the end of the tobacco and apple harvesting season over 40 years ago. Through the years, hundreds of thousands of visitors (nearly 200,000 people will frequent the streets of Mount Airy over the three day weekend) have enjoyed the true flavor of rural America
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and its distinctive character, rich heritage and scenic beauty. The town radiates with the spectacular scenery of the entire mountainside bathed in autumn reds and luminous gold’s set against the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area the rules of the Health and Police is particularly beautiful at this time Departments. of year when there’s still a chance to catch some warm sunshine For more information: and the leaves start taking on www.autumnleavesfestival.com their brilliant colors. Note: NO or call Toll Free: PETS are allowed during the (800) 948-0949 Autumn Leaves Festival due to
you will...
one thing for sure
Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival November 16, 2013
Discover Bedford’s extraordinary National D-Day Memorial, which overlooks the American community that lost the most citizens at D-Day. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s architectural gem, Poplar Forest, built while he was President as his private retreat. The legendary “Peaks of Otter” along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Smith Mountain Lake and five wineries all call Bedford home.
www.VisitBedford.com or call 1-877-447-3257
Discover Bedford’s extraordinary National D-Day Memorial, which Trail covers 33 counties that extend from I-77 to the western border of the state. The WNC Cheese Spend an afternoon commu- or a weekend exploring the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains and sampling some of NC the American Woverlooks the best handmade cheese being made in the South today. The trail lets you connect directly with cheesemakers, nity that lost thesee citizens where your at favorite cheeses are crafted, and buy straight from the producers. The cheesemaking community ail inmost e TrVisit CheesD-Day. WNCJefferson’s is vibrant and growing—go and see for yourself! More information: www.wnccheesetrail.org Thomas architectural gem, Poplar Forest, built while he was President as his
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FALL 2013
Celebrate the Art of Craft at the 66th Annual
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands US Cellular Center, Asheville, NC October 17 – 20 Demonstrations Don’t miss the fall edition of the 66th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville, NC, October 17 – 20, 2013. Nearly 200 juried artists of the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be selling works of clay, metal, wood, jewelry, fiber, paper, natural materials, leather and mixed media. With styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, the Fairs showcase the rich talent, diversity and craft mastery of Guild members.
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he Craft Fairs have a proud tradition and history of excellence by representing the Southern Highland Craft Guild, a non-profit organization formed in 1930. The Fairs began in 1948 as a way to
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weekend in beautiful Asheville, NC. In addition to providing a retail market for juried provide a regional market for the members, the Guild also hosts mountain craftspeople. Since craft demonstrations during that time, the Craft Fairs have set the Fairs. A strong part of the the standard for fine craft shows Guild’s mission is to educate across the country. Each year in the public about the history of July and October craft collectors crafts in this region, various craft and gallery owners from across techniques, and an appreciation the country come to Asheville to for fine crafts. Visitors have the see the show. They are joined by opportunity to see artists using western North Carolina residents traditional methods of handmade who appreciate the quality and craft like George McCollum history of the show, knowing weaving a white oak basket, it is an ideal destination for shopping and October 18 – 20 Entertainment Schedule inspiration. Nearly Friday, October 18 20,000 11am .......Sherri Lynn and Mountain Friends. visitors to the 1pm....................................Hot Duck Soup. Fairs each 3pm.......................................... Timberline year invest in Saturday, October 19 the regional 11am............... Southern Crescent Bluegrass. and local 1pm..............................................Split Rail economies 3pm........................... Moore Brothers Band. while Sunday, October 20 supporting 11am......................Whitetop Mountaineers. artists 1pm................Carol Rifkin and Paul’s Creek. working in the 3pm ............................ Buncombe Turnpike. Appalachian mountains, Need more and by spending a summer or fall
or Betsy Morrill’s innovative deconstructed screen-printing on fabric. Beginning on Friday during each Craft Fair, mountain musicians perform live on the arena stage. Since the first fair in Gatlinburg in 1948, the music of the area has been woven into the fabric of the Craft Fair experience. From old time to bluegrass, this tradition is kept alive today.
Craft demonstrations are a highlight at the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. Watching and interacting with highly skilled craftspeople as they create is entertaining and educational. Throughout the show, visitors will have the opportunity to observe works by over 200 members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and to learn about their inspiration and methods. There are also scheduled demonstrations to enhance the experience.
information?: (828) 298-7928 www.craftguild.org
FALL 2013
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Mountains of diversity resound in Virginia’s Blue Ridge The Roanoke Valley’s distinct metro-mountain mix of amenities offer convenient options, family-friendly events and fun for adventure-seekers of all ages.
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rom heritage and culture to arts and the outdoors, Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers a diverse landscape of things to see and do when planning the perfect Blue Ridge Day. As the largest metropolitan center in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Roanoke Valley’s distinct metromountain mix of amenities offer
convenient options, family-friendly events and fun for adventureseekers of all ages. The City of Roanoke rests at the heart of the region and is an ideal starting point for itinerary planning that incorporates the area’s scenic jurisdictions and attractions. The fall season sets the stage for local farms to showcase their wealth of pumpkins, mums and homemade goods at farmers markets in the downtowns of Roanoke, Salem and Vinton. Peruse local merchants to find a number of one-of-a-kind finds. While you’re downtown, study
Virginia 10 Miler The Virginia 10-Miler, held in Lynchburg, Virginia, celebrates its 40th year on September 27 – 28 with more than 4,000 runners on a historic course that has hosted participants from around the globe. The 10 mile race, 4 mile race, and Amazing Mile Children’s Run invite men, women, and children of all ages and abilities to participate. The festivities begin Friday night with packet pick-up, the Amazing Mile Children’s Run, and a fun family-friendly festival. On Saturday, participants will take part in the 10 mile run, 4 mile run, and 4 mile walk. For more information or to register to participate, go to www. virginiatenmiler.com. Spectators should arrive early to find the perfect spot to cheer on your favorite runner. For more information on visiting the Lynchburg area visit www.discoverlynchburg.org/ and ask for their visitor guide.
architecture and discover how each jurisdiction was established by taking a historic walking tour. For history buffs Franklin County boasts communities that continue to value their farms, forests, waterways and cultural heritage. Explore the many scenic corners of the area, from the water and shorelines of Smith Mountain Lake, to cultural and historic experiences at the Booker T. Washington National Monument and the Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum, which on Oct. 26 will host the annual Blue Ridge
Folklife Festival from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. With mountains of diversity, plan your perfect Blue Ridge Day in the Roanoke Valley today. For more information or ideas when planning your perfect Blue Ridge Day, visit our website and mobile website at www.visitvablueridge. com, call (800) 635-5535 or visit the Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center located at 101 Shenandoah Avenue Northeast in downtown Roanoke, open 9 a.m.5 p.m. daily.
Fall Foliage Leaf Season Premium Open Air Gondola
New!
✔ Delicious Pork BBQ Sandwich Meal ✔ Souvenir Tumbler ✔ Private Attendant ✔ Panoramic Views
BOOK NOW! Book Online or Call
800-872-4681
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Home for the Holidays November 1 - December 31, 2013
C om e
D
“ Hom
Historic H e o t n derso e for a ys” nville, N C d i l t h e Ho
iscover an old fashioned holiday with small town charm, sprinkled with excitement and nostalgic atmosphere. The area abounds with holiday activities such as the Flat Rock Playhouse productions, an Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas, holiday concerts, hometown Christmas parade, and many other events for the whole family. Catch the Christmas spirit in Historic Hendersonville, North Carolina. Make a family Christmas tradition by exploring the Western North Carolina choose and cut Christmas tree farms
to select the perfect Christmas tree. Visit a North Carolina tree farm for a variety of fresh decorations: wreaths, garland and table arrangements. The farms grow mainly Fraser Firs and allow visitors choose and cut the tree, select a pre-cut tree or a living Christmas tree sold with roots intact for replanting. The holidays are a time for celebration and dining with friends and family. Many restaurants in the greater Hendersonville area offer festive seasonal menus during the holidays. The “Home for the Holidays” Dining
Guide list restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Be sure to make reservations! Check the calendar of events on the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority web site for dates, times and locations of each event. For events in Western North Carolina, choose and cut Christmas tree farms, holiday dining guide, or to receive a Discover Historic Hendersonville Vacation Planner, visit the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority web site at www.historichendersonville.org. For additional information call the Henderson County Visitors Center at (828) 693-9708 / 800-828-4244 or come by the Center located at 201 South Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
FALL 2013
Mountain
Glory Festival
On Saturday, October 12, 2013 the 23th Annual Mountain Glory Festival will celebrate the arrival of autumn in beautiful downtown Marion, North Carolina. Applications are now being accepted. 9:30 am to 5:00 pm The festival covers the court house lawn and 3 blocks of downtown. Browsers and shoppers looking for original handicrafts or handspun enjoyment will find plenty of choice among more than 125 artists, crafters and food booths and a variety of entertainment, from local bluegrass bands playing traditional mountain music to haunting melodies of Native American music. Beside mainstays of music and craft, the festival offers glimpses into local and regional pastimes, such as the Mountain Glory Craft Show, foot races and 3 stages of area talent. Addie’s Chapel Gospel Choir is an annual favorite. One of the most popular areas of the festival every year is the “Children’s Arena” that provides hands on activities, a best dressed pet show and special entertainment for kids. More info www.mtngloryfestival.com Phone: 828-652-2215 or 828-652-3551
www.blueridgedigest.com
FALL 2013
15
Pigeon Forge
, KLES SPAR Stays Colorful Even After Autumn
Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are known for fall color, and colorful times continue even as winter arrives.
Pigeon Forge actually gets ready for winter while autumn color is still hanging on in the national park. Expect color in the trees well into November, but be ready for the town to light up in a major way on Nov. 12. That’s the start of Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Winterfest Kickoff is that hat’s because nature’s leafy evening in Patriot Park, and the show gets replaced by 5 3rd Annual Salute to Veterans million Winterfest lights – plus Parade that 4 million more afternoon launches at Dollywood the festivities. – and the fun Pigeon Forge invites times keep on everyone to join rolling. this salute to the Pigeon men and women of Forge always America’s military. has been Winterfest a popular activities – which autumn include special destination shows at Pigeon because of Forge theaters, its next-door holiday shopping neighbor, Great Smoky Mountains adventures, snow over the bow National Park. Businesses have of the Titanic Museum Attraction great fun decorating for Harvestfest and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain in October. Pumpkins, gourds, hay Christmas celebration – continue bales and scarecrows abound. even after New Year’s Day. Crafts are a big deal, too. The Pigeon Forge begins every 28th Annual Pigeon Forge Rotary year with two big events – Craft Fair attracts scores of regional Wilderness Wildlife Week and artists and craftsmen from Sept. 28- Saddle Up. They will be in a new Oct. 26. Look for the huge red and location in 2014, the $45 million white tent at Patriot Park.
T
HIDDEN
GEMS
Smoky Mountain Trains
LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, located in the heart of town and along the Little Pigeon River. Wilderness Wildlife Week (Jan. 25-Feb.1) is a week of talks, walks, workshops, seminars and music largely focused on Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The coolest thing of all is that the week is totally free. Saddle Up (Feb. 19-23), a celebration of western music,
cowboy poetry and chuck wagon cooking, is one of the biggest Western heritage events east of the Mississippi River. Go to MyPigeonForge.com for information to help plan a visit, call 1-800-251-9100 for a chat or visit with the staff of the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center while in town. It’s at Traffic Light #0.
100 Greenlee Street in Bryson City, NC. 1-800-872-4681 x 7050 or www.smokymountaintrains.com
LEGEND
The wondrous profusion of mountain flowers in spring and early summer, the high altitude coolness of the forest-clad mountains in summer, and the glorious coloring of these mountains in autumn provide an everchanging appeal.
Blue Ridge Parkway Facilities
01 Designates Milepost
The Blue Ridge Parkway is open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Sometimes road repair is undertaken in the winter months and detours are posted. The Parkway is not plowed or salted in the winter, so after snow or ice events, portions may be closed until the weather warms and makes the roadway safe for travel again. So as not to be disappointed when planning a winter drive, call the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 24-hour information line at 828 298-0398 for the latest road conditions.
New River Gorge National River WV VA
N Bluefield Pennington Gap
Morristown
40 75
Sevierville
Maryville 411 To Chattanooga Townsend
165 Fontana Village
Cherohala Skyway
143
Robbinsville
68
Murphy 129 Blue Ridge
19 76
129
Blairsville
Bryson City
74
19
Andrews
Hayesville
Chatuge Lake
Cherokee
28
Franklin 64
Hiwassee 76
NC GA
Mile 469
Valley
Balsam
Sylva
Topton
NC
107
63
Asheville
410
Cashiers
Craggy Craggy Gardens Gardens Marion
26
Mount Pisgah
Morganton
Valdese
40 221
Saluda 9
321
To Greenville
18
16
90
Columbus
Shelby
NC SC
Gastonia 85
150
8
311
WinstonSalem Clemmons 421
Statesville 70
Mooresville 77
85
Lexington
311
Kannapolis
52
Concord
High Point
52
Salisbury
22
Kerner
8
40
16
58
52
601
Union Grove
To Charlotte
Pilot Mountain
74
Elkin
Hickory
321
VA Mount Airy N C
77
Doughton Park E.B. Jeffress Park
150
108
11
Cumberland Knob
21
Newton
74
Tryon
e Blu
64 18
221
Hillsville Mabry Mill Sma Laurel Fancy 58 Fork Rocky Knob Gap Meadows Galax 180 of Dan Sparta 220 Stuart y
270
Lenoir
Chimney Lake Lure Rock 74A
Clayton
To Atlanta
320
Parkway Parkway Visitor Center
440
8
Floyd
Moses H. Cone Mem. Park North Julian Price Mem. Park Wilkesboro Linville Falls 18
Crabtree Falls
Christiansburg
Mouth of Wilson Independence
Blowing Rock 421
Spruce Pine
Black Mtn.
Waynesville
Hendersonville Brevard Highlands Sapphire Lake Toxaway
441
Burnsville
Little Switzerland Weaverville
Marshall
Boone
Pulaski
Wytheville
Laurel Springs 221 West Parkwa Jefferson Ridge
Sugar Mountain
Mars Hill
Hartford
441
19E
Erwin
TN
Hot Springs
Great Smoky Mountains 40 National Park Maggie
Tapoco
70
Newport
Cosby Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge
129
411
26
Greeneville
Farragut
Elizabethton
S Blacksbur
Radford
21
58
City
Johnson City Jonesborough
92
81
Damascus
421 Mountain
81
Knoxville
To Nashville
Bristol
Dublin
77
Marion
Abingdon
11E
75
16
20 km
Kingsport
33
Norris
19
20 mi
0
VA TN
To Lexington
0
460
100
19
85
109
64 49
220
To Gettysburg, PA
IT’S HERE!
Martinsburg Charles Town Harpers Ferry 340
Winchester
“AmericA’s FAvorite Drive” At your Fingertips... 469 miles of scenic places, historic sites, lodging, outdoor recommendations and more delivered directly to your smartphone.
Leesburg
Harrisonburg
250
220
42 11
340
Staunton
39
Elkton
50
66
To Washington, DC
340
Luray
D Na rive tio na l P a
New Market
33
Monterey
81
VA
W
V
Front Royal
l in e a h Sk y do an n e Sh
211
rk 522
Warrenton
229 29
231
Culpeper
29
planned and developed in cooperation with the Blue ridge parkway & national park service.
33
Waynesboro
64 220
Lexington
30
Natural Bridge Buchanan 311
Salem rg Roanoke
60
Glasgow
Otter Creek
70
Vinton
Lynchburg
Bedford
Roanoke Mountain
40
57
64
the Blue ridge parkway is designated an All American road by the national scenic Byways program.
20
DoWnLoAD Here!
To Richmond
24
Appomattox
Farmville
Altavista Gretna
220
b
501
Burnt Chimney 43
art View
15
29
Amherst
460
Rocky Mount
522
Peaks of Otter
460
120
0
Lovingston
Buena Vista
90
Charlottesville
Mile 0 64
Humpback Rocks
40
Chatham
Martinsville 29
8
58
Danville 360
Eden
20
Reidsville
158
rsville
29
Greensboro
t
40 85 421
0
Asheboro
Snow Camp
501
158
87
58
Roxboro 49
Burlington
To Durham
With this 6” X 4“ Pocket Guide identify the most colorful trees in the fall forests (Learn more, enjoy more!)
$5.95
At stores, shops, and lodging along your route. Laurel Hill Press
www.laurelhillpress.com
www.blueridgedigest.com
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Cross off some items on your Christmas Gift List
History on a Hayride: The Orchard of Altapass, apples and so much more!
S
ituated on the Blue Ridge Parkway atop the Eastern Continental Divide, the Orchard at Altapass is a great place for folks of all ages to visit a working orchard and learn about everything from the harvest time of the Stayman-Winesap apple, to the story of “Sweet Lips” and her role in the Revolutionary War. Storyteller and Orchard co-found-
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er Bill Carson, described as a modern-day Mark Twain, tells the stories of the history of Altapass, and the role that it played in the Revolutionary War, the development of the Railroad (including Tweetsie!), and the history of the preservation of the Orchard. He tells his stories while sitting on a hay bale as you meander around the orchard on a hayride. In addition to the hayrides, visitors also learn about apple varieties, monarch butterflies, clogging, round dancing and may also enjoy live music.For more information about The Orchard at Altapass, visit: www.altapassorchard.org
Standing on top of the world
changes your entire perspective.
One of our goals is to inspire each visitor to be a good steward of the earth. And to appreciate the wonders found here. We are not trying to move mountains, just people.
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GRANDFATHER® MOUNTAIN
FALL 2013
& The ‘Hard Candy Christmas’ Art r Craft Show opens for its 26th yea in inside the (WCU) Ramsey Center ber em Cullowhee, N.C.. Dates are Nov 29-30, always the Friday and . Saturday after Thanksgiving
T
his much anticipated event features authentic crafts from the hands of 100 regional and local artists and craftsmen. In the depression days in the mountains, Christmas was always celebrated with stockings stuffed with apples, oranges and hard candy. The best gifts were handmade with love . Customers line up early for the first selection of pottery, wood craft , master jewelers, fine and folk art, glass art , specialty sweets and breads . The delicious smells of fresh wreaths and dried fruit ropes fill the air .
WONDERS NEVER CEASE
www.grandfather.com
8/1/13 11:47 AM
For more info: www.mountainArtisans.net or djhunter@dnet.net 828 524 3405 Macon County’s own Ronnie Evans will be strumming favorite Christmas songs for background .His CDs will be for sale, too. No wonder it has grown from a little show in Franklin with 8 exhibitors to the largest Christmas gift show in Western North Carolina! Hours are 10-5 each day with convenient free parking. Adults $4, children under 12 free. At the ticket table, have a piece of peppermint candy and an apple from Barber Orchard and catch the Christmas Spirit! Free convenient parking
www.blueridgedigest.com
FALL 2013
Celebrating 10 Years of
T
19
Shadow of the Bear Stalks the Quilts Cashiers Valley Each Fall Barns O Friendships
October 11 & 12, 2013 farms with color, geometry, and storytelling. Ten years later, the Appalachian RC&D Council is celebrating 100 murals, a national following, and a strong network that promotes local agriculture. The Quilt Trail boosts agricultural tourism, helping farms diversify their income; it tells how history has woven together families and land; and it has led to friendships between volunteers and fans of the Quilt Trail. For tickets, visit www. quilttrail.org or call 423-9792581. More information about the councel: www.arcd.org/
The mountain – elevation 4,930 feet – is known for its rock cliffs that are among the highest sheer rock cliffs in the East. Tourists and photographers come from all over to see this natural phenomenon, which can best be viewed from the Rhodes Big View Overlook on U.S. Hwy. 64, approximately 4.5 miles west of Cashiers.
Jackson County Visitors Center (800) 962-1911 www.MountainLovers.com.
BOONE, NC It’s Cooler Up Here! photo by Hugh Morton
his year the Quilt Trail in northeast Tennessee is celebrating 100 quilt squares and 10 years of promoting Appalachian heritage and strengthening local economy through tourism in Carter, Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, Washington, and Unicoi counties (and in downtown Elizabethton, Greeneville, Jonesborough, Kingsport, and Mountain City). We invite your interest in covering this covering this milestone for our region in advance of October celebration events. It started with the humble intention of embellishing a few
ne of the most unique leaf-looking experiences in the nation occurs from mid October through early November in the Cashiers Valley of North Carolina. The Shadow of the Bear emerges from hibernation each sunny day at 5:30 p.m. and is visible until just after 6:00 p.m. The shadow is created by the autumnal sun setting behind Whiteside Mountain at just the right angle that time of year.
HIDDEN Zaloo's GEMS Canoes
Discover the “coolest” part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. From family attractions including Grandfather Mountain to hiking, biking, leaf-looking and so much more, the Boone area is the perfect destination for fall adventure. Explore Boone this fall. It’s just cooler here.
3874 NC HWY. 16 South,
Jefferson, NC. (800) 535-4027
800-852-9506
20
www.blueridgedigest.com
Mountain Lodging Food Fun NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE, NC Asheville East KOA-Exit 59 off I-40 big rigs & tenters welcome. Wooded sites, with pool, lake & river fishing. 800-562-5907 or (828) 686-3121. 2708 Hwy 70E, Swannanoa, NC 28778. www.ashevilleeastkoa.com. Asheville West KOA-Exit 37 off I-40 Something for everyone, RV's, tenters, cabins. In foothills, wooded sites, hiking trails, pool. (800) 5629015. 309 Wiggins Rd., Candler, NC 28715. www.ashevillekoa.com Bear Creek RV Park - Exit Rt. 191 from Parkway; I-40 Exit 47; or I-26 Exit 2. 3 miles north of Parkway off Rt. 191. 5 mins. Biltmore House. 90 full hookups, paved sites, pool, laundry. Open year round. (800) 833-0798 www.ashevillebearcreek.com. Campfire Lodgings - 7 mi. from dwtn Asheville, Mtn. top camping, full service RV sites, yurts & cliff house. Open year-round. (828) 658-8012. www.campfirelodgings.com. Carolina Foam, Fabric & Home Decor - Largest selection of dress fabric and upholstery in North Carolina. Exit #64 I-40. Black Mountain. 828-669-2400. Mast General Store - located downtown Asheville at 15 Biltmore Avenue. Restored to its 1940s heyday, this store features old-time housewares, jellies, clothing, shoes, travel gear, over 500 old-fashioned candies and an expansive outfitters shop. 828-232-1883 www.mastgeneralstore.com Rutledge Lake RV Park. Exit 40 off I-26. 2 mi from Asheville airport. (828) 654-7873. 170 Rutledge Rd.www.rutledgelake.com. Shoji Spa & Lodge - Relax at Asheville's only outdoor hot tub spa. Reap the benefits of the cold plunge, unwind in our sauna and rest in the Lodge. Specializing in couples mas-
sage. 2500 ft. above stress level. www.shojiretreats.com. By appt. only. (828) 299-0999.
BALSAM, NC Moonshine Creek Campground Cool, Shady Sites on Mountain Stream in the Heart of the Smoky Mountains. RV's, Tents, Cabins, 5 minutes from the BRP with Fishing, Campfires, Hot Showers, and Campstore. 828-586-6666 moonshinecreekcampground.com
BANNER ELK, NC Smoke Tree Lodge - 12 miles south of Boone on Hwy 105. Nestled at the foot of Grandfather Mtn. Condo-apts, heated indoor pool, ESPN, Jacuzzi, saunas. (800) 422-1880. www.smoketree_lodge.com
BEECH MOUNTAIN, NC Condominium And Chalet Rentals By the day, week or month - kitchens, full linens, fireplaces, whirlpools, country club access (golf, tennis, heat. Pools, family activities) Coolest locations in south. Call 1-800-692-2061 or 828/3874251. 503 Beech Mtn. Pkwy. (next to Fred’s General Mercantile) Beechwood Realty.
BLOWING ROCK, NC Alpine Village Inn - 297 Sunset Dr. Quaint cozy rooms & suites in the heart of town. AC, CCTV, & phones, Wi-Fi complimentary. Some fireplaces & Jacuzzi. Pet friendly rooms. www.alpine-village-inn.com (828) 295-7206. Chetola Resort - Magnificent views, 87 acres, Lodge, Condos, Bob Timberlake Inn. Fitness Center, Restaurants, Orvis Endorsed. N. Main St., Blowing Rock, NC 28605. www.chetola.com (828) 295-5500 or (800) 243-8652. Hemlock Inn & Suites 134 Morris St. Downtown Blowing Rock. 1/2 mile to Parkway. Open year round. Walk to shops and restaurants. (828) 295-7987. www.hemlockinn.net.
FALL 2013
Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST!
Homestead Inn - 153 Morris St. Downtown. Open all year. Affordable rates. Immaculate rooms. Fire/jacuzzis/efficiencies. Wi-Fi. (828) 295-9559. www.homestead-inn.com.
KOA Kampground - From Boone, 194N 3 miles. Left on Ray Brown Rd. 1 mile. Beautiful view. Rec room, mini golf, laundry. 123 Harmony Mtn. Lane, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-7250.
Jenkins Rentals - The finest rental homes, cabins and condos in the Blowing Rock area. Hot tubs & Mtn vews available. www.jenkinsrentals. com. (800) 438-7803.
Mast General Store - located downtown Boone on King Street. Built in 1913 and 1917, Old Boone Mercantile features old-time housewares, jellies, clothing, shoes, travel gear, over 500 old-fashioned candies and an expansive outfitters shop. 828-262-0000 www.mastgeneralstore.com
Mystery Hill. - 129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Family fun center. Feel the strange pull. Hall of Mystery artifacts. Museum open all year. 828-263-0507. info@mysteryhillNC.com Riverside Log Cabins - 129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-263-0507. One and two bedroom units. Riversidelogcabins.com. Open all year. Close to attractions. Village Inns of Blowing RockNo Smoking, Wi-Fi/Breakfast. Suites/Cottages/Rooms. Some Pet Friendly Rooms. (828) 295-3001
BOONE, NC An Appalachian Summer Festival, July, 2013 – Annual worldclass,multiarts festival at Appalachian State University. Call 1-800-841-ARTS or visit appsummer.org. Foscoe Rentals - Cabins, Condos and Vacation homes centrally located to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock. (800) 723-7341. www.foscoerentals.com Hidden Valley Motel- Birds, blooms and butterflies in the Foscoe Valley. Hwy 105 south between Boone and Banner Elk. Call 828/963-4372. www.hiddenvalleymotel.com or email: jim@hiddenvalleymotel.com. Horn in the West- Revolutionary War drama & Hickory Ridge - A living history museum. Open mid-June to mid August 2013. www.horninthewest.com
NC High Country Host Visitor Center- 1700 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone, NC 28607. (800) 438-7500. www.mountainsofnc.com
BREVARD, NC Inn at Brevard - Lodging, dining, cocktails. B and B. European cuisine. 15 antique furnished rooms. Breakfast. 315 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712. www.theinnatbrevard. com (828) 884-2105. brevard@theinnatbrevard.com.
BRYSON CITY, NC Historic Fryemont Inn Lodging & Dining - From $62.50 PP incl. breakfast & dinner. Great Food, Full Bar, Big Pool! 800-845- 4879 www.fryemontinn.com
BURNSVILLE, NC Alpine Village Resort - 1 & 2 bedroom condos. Great views. Tennis, heated pool/summer, cable TV, special golf fees. 3 miles west of Parkway, exit Buck Creek Gap Hwy. 80. No pets. 828/675-4103.
CHEROKEE, NC Oconaluftee Indian Village - Share the rich history & traditions of the Cherokee at this replica of a Cherokee community of the 1750s. May thru Oct.
FALL 2013
www.blueridgedigest.com
Mountain Lodging Food Fun CHIMNEY ROCK, NC Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park – 40 min. SE of Asheville, exit milepost 384.7. Come for the views. Discover infinite possibilities. Spectacular fall foliage, hiking, rock climbing instruction, special events, workshops and more! 26-story elevator inside mountain. Pet friendly. Open all year. Live it up! 800-277-9611 chimneyrockpark.com
FLETCHER, NC Blue Ridge Cabins - Fletcher MP388.8. South. Rustic cabins with modern amenitites. 9 miles from downtown Asheville. 828-654-0539 or 877-902-2246. www.mybrcabin.com
Make your Lodging, Dining and Theatre RESERVATIONS! www.historichendersonville.org Open 7 days a week, the Visitors Information Center, 1-800-828-4244. 210 S Main Street, Hendersonville, NC.
LAKE TOXAWAY, NC Greystone Inn: Four Diamond Country Inn on shore of NC's largest private lake. Incredible cuisine, golf, spa & more. 800-8245766. www.greystoneinn.com
LAUREL SPRINGS, NC Thistle Meadow Winery - Stop for wine tasting - exit at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 248. 3 miles to winery on NC18. 800-233-1505. gas nearby. www.thistlemeadowwinery.com
FONTANA DAM, NC
LINVILLE, NC
Fontana Village Resort & Lake Cabins - Lodge, camping, marina, boat rentals & guides. Fishing, dining, lounges, pools, disk golf, hiking & mtn biking. 800-849-2258. www.fontanavillage.com
Grandfather Mountain - Grandfather¹s lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. Marvel at 360-degree views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, stand eye-to-eye with native wildlife in natural habitats and interact with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Two miles from Viaduct; one mile from Parkway. Take Linville Exit, MP 305 to US 221. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm (weather permitting in winter). $18/ adult; $15/senior 60+; $8/child 4-12; under 4 free. www.grandfather.com Phone 828-733-4337 or 800-468-7325..
GLENDALE SPRINGS, NC Mountain View Lodge & Cabins- MP 256 - Secluded B&B lodge plus five duplex cabins w/kitchenettes, full bathrooms, linens furnished. Genuine North Carolina hospitality for a relaxing “get away”. See local wildlife up close! Open all year. Great for large families & group retreats. Smoking outside only. MC/ VISA. Pet friendly! 336-982-2233 or 800-903-6811. www.mtnviewlodge.com
HENDERSONVILLE, NC Mast General Store - located downtown Hendersonville at 527 N Main Street. Built in 1905, this store features old-time housewares, jellies, clothing, shoes, travel gear, over 500 old-fashioned candies and an expansive outfitters shop. 828-696-1883 www.mastgeneralstore.com
LINVILLE FALLS, NC Linville Caverns - 19929 US 221 N. Marion. 4 miles South of Parkway, MP 317. NC's ONLY show cavern. 800-419-0540. www.linvillecaverns.com. Linville Falls Lodge & Cottages BRP Milepost 317.4, US 221S 1 mile to Rt. 183, left. Restaurant (ABC permit), Walk to falls & gorge. www.linvillefallslodge.com (800) 634-4421.
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Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST!
Parkview Lodge - Milepost 317.4, 500 ft. south of Parkway on US 221. Private Guest Rooms, one bedroom suite and secluded cabins available. Color TV, Swimming Pool, Crafts, Wine & Beer Shop. Free continental breakfast with guest room.Open All Year. 828-765-4787; 1-800-849-4452.
LITTLE SWITZERLAND, NC Alpine Inn - Authentic mountain inn with unsurpassed views. Breakfast optional. All rooms with spectacular views and private baths. WiFi. Open April-Nov. Reasonable rates! Exit MP 334, Little Switzerland. Right on 226A, 1 mi. www.alpineinnnc.com (828) 765-5380. Big Lynn Lodge - AAA Historic Country Inn. Scenic views of mountains, valley & Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the few old fashioned places that gives you lodging & meals (evening & breakfast) for one low package price. 3200 ft elev. 1 1/4 mile E of Parkway. Exit at Spruce Pine, on NC 226A near milepost 331. Open April 15 to Nov. 5. 40 units. PO Box 459. (828) 765-4257; 1-800-654-5232 Emerald Village - Real mines, mine tours, & gem mining. Other free displays: railroad, music museum, wildlife. MP334. 828-765-6463. www.emeraldvillage.com Switzerland Cafe & General Store MP 334 1/4 mile of the Parkway. Lunch and weekend dinners. Souvenirs and picnic items. Call 828-765-5289. www.switzerlandcafe.com Switzerland Inn And Chalet Restaurant - A little bit of Switzerland in NC. Fantastic mountain views, rooms, suites, cottages, dining, shopping, tennis. Located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Little Switzerland exit near Parkway Milepost 334. Little Switzerland, NC 28749. (828) 765-2153 or (800) 654-4026. www.switzerlandinn.com
MAGGIE VALLEY, NC Boyd Mountain Log Cabins - Secluded 130 acres near Maggie Valley, 7 Authentic cabins, fireplaces, AC, cable, WIFI. Choose n cut Christmas tree farm, trout fishing, hiking. (828) 926-1575. www.boydmountain.com Haywood County Hotel & Motel Assoc.-Maggie Valley,Waynesville,Lake Junaluska. Quality lodging & dining within minutes of 4 BRP exits, MP 420-450. All accommodations adhere to Quality Standards. See us @www.maggievalley. travel. Jonathan Creek Inn & Maggie Valley Villas - MP 455.7 AAA 3 Diamond Rated. Creekside and Hot Tub Rooms, Creekside & Mountain View Villas, Indoor Heated Pool, Children’s Play Area. 1-800-577-7812. www.jonathancreekinn.com Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association - Affordable motel rooms, cabins, cottages or vacation rentals. Visit our website www.visitmaggie. com to find your perfect home away from home in the mountains.
www.blueridgedigest.com
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Mountain Lodging Food Fun McDOWELL COUNTY, NC McDowell Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center - Shopping & food near center. Free coffee & area info. Clean restrooms. From Parkway MP 317, 24 mi. S on US 221. From MP331: 15 mi S on NC226. (828) 652-4240.
MITCHELL COUNTY, NC Mitchell County, NC - Exit milepost 331. Gem mining, gem & mineral shops, specialty mineral & gem festival, rhododendron festival, indoor ice skating rink, white water rafting, Appalachian Trail. For more information, call 1-800-227-3912 or 828-765-9483.
MOUNT AIRY, NC Pilot Knob Inn -Tobacco barn cabins & honeymoon suites, whirlpools, fireplaces on 100+ acres, lake with boating & fishing, Pilot Mtn 1 mile off Hwy 52. Full breakfast and sauna. (336) 325-2502. www.pilotknobinn.com
NEWLAND, NC Secluded Valley RV Campground - 8 miles North Spruce Pine on 19E. 5 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway. 30 & 50 amp full hookups, children & pets welcome, level & spacious sites. (828) 765-4810. www.secludedvalleyrvcampground.com.
SPARTA & GLADE VALLEY, NC Alleghany Inn - 341 N. Main St., Sparta, NC 28675. 64 Rooms - Free Wireless Internet - Cable TV 60+ Chan, Guest Laundry - Restaurant on site. 888) 372-2501 Reserve online: www. AlleghanyInn.com . see ad page 5 Glade Valley B&B – Near MP 229. Our modern, beautiful log home is surrounded with all the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. All rooms have private baths, some with jacuzzi tubs. Our breakfasts are all homemade and plentiful. 800538-3508. www.gladevalley.com See our ad on page 33.
Thistle Meadow Winery - Stop for wine tasting - exit at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 248. 3 miles to winery on NC18.(800) 233-1505. gas nearby. www.thistlemeadowwinery.com
SPRUCE PINE, NC Bear Den Creekside Cabins On the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 324.8. All amenities, jacuzzis, decks, fireplaces. For 2 to 10. (828) 765-2888.www.bear-den.com Res. recmd. Bear Den Campground - On the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 324.8. Complete facilities, serving the south for over 41 years. www.bearden.com (828) 765-2888. Scenic beauty. Peak Mountain Cottages & Retreat Center--On 300 acres, 7 miles N of Pkwy. Room to play or relax. Hiking trails, clear mtn streams. 460 Rabbit Hop Rd near Penland. Individuals, families or groups up to 25. 828-7659559. www.peakmountaincottages.com
VALLE CRUCIS, NC Mast General Store - Est. 1883 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this authentic general store located in a pastoral setting features clothing, camping gear, shoes & boots, housewares, unique gifts, and over 500 old-fashioned candy favorites. Hwy. 194, 828-963-6511. Also visit other locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in Greenville, SC and Knoxville, TN. www.maststore.com.
WAYNESVILLE, NC Mast General Store - located downtown Waynesville at 63 N Main Street. Built in the 1930s, this store features old-time housewares, jellies, clothing, shoes, travel gear, over 500 old-fashioned candies and an expansive outfitters shop. 828-452-2101 www.mastgeneralstore.com
The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa - MP 445. Surrounded by majestic mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this resort has been welcoming visitors to a casual and relaxed mountain lifestyle since the 1920s and features stunning views from all of the 115 rooms, 27-holes of Donald Ross golf and two upscale restaurants. 800-627-6250 www.thewaynesvilleinn.com
TENNESSEE GATLINBURG, TN Ski Mountain Chalet & Condo Rentals - 1-6 bedroom units, hot tubs, jacuzzis, pool tables, kitchens, fireplaces, privacy. (800) 824-4077. www.skimtnchalets.com
VIRGINIA ABINGDON, VA Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau - 355 Cummings St., Abingdon, VA 24210. 276/676-2282; 800-435-3440. I-81, Exit 17 - Barter Theatre, Art, History, and More! www.abingdon.com/tourism.
BEDFORD, VA Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchards - 2122 Sheep Creek Rd, 24523. MP 86. Fruit wine, fruit, jams, jellies, free tastings. Vacation rentl house. 540586-3707. www.iwineu.com or www.elmosrest.com
FANCY GAP, VA
FALL 2013
Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST! FLOYD, VA Blue Ridge Restaurant, Inc. - E. Main St., Floyd, VA (540) 745-2147. For good home-style cooking try our daily specials. We are open early with gravy biscuits, hot cakes, country ham, and eggs every day. Chateau Morrisette. - 287 Winery Rd., SW Floyd, VA 24091. MP 171.5. Breathtaking vistas, award-winning wines and memorable dining. (540) 593-2865. www. thedogs.com Hotel Floyd - 120 Wilson St, Floyd, VA. (540) 745-6080. www. hotelFloyd.com. Unique lodging off MP165 with themed rooms and located downtown Floyd. Don’t miss visiting this unique town and hotel!
GROTTOES, VA
Grand Caverns - 5 Grand Caverns Dr, Grottoes, VA, America’s oldest continuously operated show cave. Nature’s handiwork & gifts. 888430-CAVE. www.grandcaverns.com
HARRISONBURG, VA Harrisonburg, VA Visitor Center 212 S. Main St (540) 432-8935 www.harrisonburgtourism.com Call for free materials! The Village Inn - 1 mile south of I-81, Exit 243, on US 11. American Automobile Association Three Diamond Award. (540) 434-7355, toll free reservations-1-800-736-7355. www.shenandoah.org/villageinn
Skyland Lakes Golf Club - Right on Parkway at milepost 202.2. New 18 hole public course. Beautiful scenery. Motel & golf packages available. (276) 728-4923.
FISHERSVILLE, VA Antique Expo - 400 dealers exhibiting in halls, barns, tents & outside twice yearly. May 10-12 and October 11-13, 2013. Augusta Expoland. I-64, exit 91. (434) 847-8242 . www.heritagepromotions.net.
LOVE, VA. Royal Oaks - Cabins, chalets, store, gifts, deli, weddings. Near MP16 on parkway. Upscale lodging, hot tubs, fireplaces, equipped kit, bedding/ linens. Beautiful views atop the BR Mtns. www.vacabins.com. 540-943-7625.
Be sure to tell them EST! you saw it in THE DIG
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Mountain Lodging Food Fun LURAY, VA. Allstar Lodging - 100+ unique cabins or B&B’s. Hot tubs, frplc, kitch, riverfront/mountains, hiking, canoeing, fishing, near Luray, VA. 866-7807827. www.allstarlodging.com.
MEADOWS OF DAN, VA Primland Resort - 2000 Busted Rock Road. Resort Lodge, Fairway Cottages, Mountain Homes. Spectacular views. Golf. Spa. Dining, Outdoor activities. 276.222.3800 www.primland.com
NATURAL BRIDGE, VA Natural Bridge Zoological Park I-81 Exit 180A. Rt 11 North. Largest and most complete collection of birds and animals in Virginia. Elephant rides, white tigers, cougars, giraffes, zebras, bears, baboons, monkeys, Flamingos, pet & feed tame deer, Ilamas, goats and mini donkeys. Safari gift shop, modern restrooms, free parking, free picnic pavilion. Open daily 9am-7pm. March-November. Group rates. Fun for the whole family! www.naturalbridgezoo.com. 540-291-2420 Natural Bridge - US 11 & 130, MP 45.6 & 61; I-8 Exits 175, 180. See the immense natural wonder. Nature park, Indian village, caverns, wax museum, haunted house, dinosaur kingdom. Hotel, great food. 800-5331410. www.naturalbridgeva.com
RADFORD, VA Radford Visitor’s Center-Rt 8 to I-81 Exit 109 “Find It in Radford”-surrounded on 3 sides by the New River & overflowing with history 540-267-3153 www.visitradford.com.
Enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast
Colony House Motor Lodge 3560 Franklin Rd. Roanoke. 2 mi off Parkway on US 220. Suites available. HBO, ESPN, pool, Free Continental breakfast. Meeting Room available. Shopping and good restaurants nearby. (540) 345-0411 or (866) 203-5850. Roanoke Valley - Milepost 120. Experience the largest family destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway featuring outstanding museums and attractions, shopping, restaurants and a wide variety of hotels and B&Bs. Follow signs to Visitor Center with Free Travel Guides.(800) 635-5535.
Beautiful scenic views
800-538-3508
SALEM, VA
contact@gladevalley.com
Come and visit Salem, Virginia that is only twenty minutes from the parkway. Take the walking tour of our historic downtown featuring quaint antique shops and restaurants. Stay for a while in one of our hotels or B&B’s and attend one of our many athletic events including NCAA National Championships in football, basketball and softball. Salem is also the home of the Salem Red Sox, advanced Class “A” affiliate of the Boston Red Sox playing their games in spacious and comfy Lewis Gale Field.
Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, mp 229 330 Shaw Lane Glade Valley, NC 28627
SHENANDOAH CAVERNS, VA Shenandoah Caverns - 4 great attractions for one price. Only Va. cavern with elevator & closest to I-81 (exit 269). Also see spectacular floats in America’s Parade Float Hall of Fame and experience the new Yellow Barn, a whimsical agricultural experience. Open all year. 888-4CAVERN www.shenandoahcaverns.com
ROANOKE, VA
WAYNESBORO, VA
Bent Mountain Lodge B & B 9039 Mtn View Dr, Copper Hill, VA 24079. MP 136. 10 sts, pri baths, wedding venue. (540) 651-2525. www.bentmountainlodgeandbreakfast.com
Cabin Creekwood- 2 miles from Parkway MP 13.6. Year-round, quiet, secluded.Fully furnished affordable mtn cabins (888) 942-2246. www.cabincreekwood.com.
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Rustic cabin also available
Virginia Museums
Need a ‘leg-stretcher’ break from your I-81 travel? Consider learning about historical southwest Virginia at these museums, located just off your I-81 trip.
Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia I-81 Exit 54 (Closed Mondays) 1322 Rocky Hollow Road • Atkins, VA 24311 (276) 686-4401 • www.settlersmuseum.com Wilderness Road Regional Museum I-81 Exit 98 (Closed Mondays) 5240 Wilderness Road (State Route 611) Newbern, VA 24126 • (540) 674-4835 www.newriverhistoricalsociety.com William King Museum I-81 Exit 17 • 415 Academy Drive • Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 628-5005 • www.williamkingmuseum.org Thomas J. Boyd Museum I-81 Exits 70 or 73 295 Tazewell Street • Wytheville, VA 24382 (276) 223-3331 • museums.wytheville.org
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The Blue Ridge Digest can be found at these regional visitor’s centers! GEORGIA Blairsville/Union County Chamber 129 Union County Rec Rd. • Blairsville, GA 30512; (706) 745-5789 www.blairsvillechamber.com Ellijay Visitor Center 205 Craig St.; PO Box 505 Ellijay, GA 30540; (706) 635-7400 www.gilmerchamber.com Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 152 Orvin Lance Drive • Blue Ridge, GA 30513 • (706) 632-5680 www.blueridgemountains.com Rabun County Welcome Center 232 Hwy 441 North, POB 750 Clayton, Georgia 30525; (706) 782-4812 www.gamountains.com/rabun Toccoa Welcome Center 901 E. Currahee St. P.O. Box 577 Toccoa, GA 30577; (706) 866-2132 Towns County Visitor Center 1411 Jack Dayton Circle Young Harris, GA 30582 (706) 896-4966 • www.mountaintopga.com
NORTH CAROLINA Alleghany Co. Chamber of Commerce 58 S. Main, POB 1237 BRD Sparta, NC 28675; (800) 372-5473 www.sparta-nc.com Andrews Chamber of Commerce 345 Locust St. • P.O. Box 800 Andrews, NC 28902 • (877) 558-0005 www.andrewschambercommerce.com Ashe County Chamber & Visitor Center 1 N. Jefferson Ave, P.O. Box 31 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-9550 • www.ashechamber.com Avery County Chamber of Commerce 4501 Tynecastle Hwy • Unit 2 Banner Elk, NC 28604; (800) 972-2183 www.banner-elk.com/ Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce 403A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mtn, NC 28604; (800) 468-5506 www.beechmtn.com Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce 201 E. State St., Black Mountain, NC 28711; (828) 669-2300 Blowing Rock Visitor Center 192 Chestnut St • Blowing Rock Blowing Rock, NC 28605; 877-750-4636 www.visitblowingrock.com
Blue Ridge Mtn Stop Visitor Center 4220 Blowing Rock Blvd • Lenoir, NC 28645 • (828) 754-5400 Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center 195 Hemphill Knob Rd Asheville, NC 28803 • 828-298-5330 Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 870 W King St. Suite A, Boone, NC 28607; (800) 852-9506 • www.VisitBooneNC.com Bryson City Chamber of Commerce 210 Main Street • Bryson City, NC 28713; (800) 867-9246 • www.greatsmokies.com Burke County Travel & Tourism 102 E. Union St., Courthouse Square Morganton, NC 28655; (828) 433-6793 Caldwell County Visitor Center 1909 Hickory Blvd. SE Lenoir, NC 28645; (828) 726-0616 Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce 202 U.S. 64, POB 238 BRD Cashiers, NC 28717; (828) 743-5191 www.cashiers-nc.com Cherokee County Visitor Center 805 W. US 64 Murphy, NC 28906; (828) 837-2242 www.cherokeecountychamber.com Cherokee Visitor Center P.O. Box 460 • 498 Tsalis Rd. Cherokee, NC 28719; (800) 438-1601 www.cherokee-nc.com Clay County Chamber of Commerce 388 Business Hwy 64 Hayesville, NC 28904; (828) 389-3704 www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com Davie County Chamber of Commerce 135 S. Salisbury St., Mocksville, NC 27028-2337; (336) 751-3304 - www.mocksville.org Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce 425 Porter St. Franklin, NC 28734; (888) 439-park • www.franklin-chamber.com Gaston County Visitor Center 620 Main Street • Belmont, NC 28012 Greensboro Area Visitor Center 2200 Pinecroft Rd. • Suite 200 Greensboro, NC 27407; (800) 344-2282 www.VisitGreensboroNC.com Haywood Chamber of Commerce 28 Walnut St. • Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-3021
Hendersonville Visitor Center 201 S. Main St • Hendersonville, NC 28792 (800) 828-4244 www.historichendersonville.org Hickory Visitor Center 1055 Southgate Parkway SW Hickory, NC 28602 (828) 328-6111 www.hickorymetro.com Lake Lure Welcome Center 2926 Memorial Hwy. Lake Lure, NC 28746 Highlands Chamber of Commerce 269 Oak St., POB 404 BRD Highlands, NC 28741; (828) 526-2112 www.highlands-chamber.com
Polk County Visitor Center 20 E. Mills Street Columbus, NC 28722; (800) 440-7848 Smoky Mountain Host of NC, Inc 4437 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 (800) 432-4678 • www.visitsmokies.org Statesville Tourism Dev. Authority PO Box 1109, 111 Depot Lane Statesville, NC 28687; (877) 531-1819 www.visitstatesville.org Waynesville/Haywood County Visitor Center 44 N. Main St. • Waynesville NC 28786 (800) 334-9036 www.visitncsmokies.com
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce 773 W. Main Street • Sylva, NC 28779; (800) 962-1911 • www.nc-mountains.com
Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce 717 Main St., PO Box 727 BRD N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659; (336) 838-8662 • www.wilkesnc.org
Jonesville Welcome Center 1503 NC Hwy 67W Jonesville, NC 28642 • (336) 526-1111
Yadkin Valley Visitor Center 116 East Market St. • Elkin, NC 28621; (336) 526-1111 • www.yadkinvalley.org
Madison County Visitor Center 56 S. Main Street • Mars Hill, NC 28754; (828) 680-9031 www.visitmadisoncounty.com
Yancey County Chamber of Commerce 106 W. Main St. • Burnsville, NC 28714; (800) 948-1632 • www.yanceychamber.com
Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce 2511 Soco Road, POB 279 Maggie Valley, NC 28751; (800) MAGGIE-1 • www.maggievalley.org McDowell County Visitor Center 1170 W. Tate St. • Marion, NC 28752; (828) 652-4240 • www.McDowellNC.org Mitchell Co. Chamber of Commerce 79 Parkway Rd • Spruce Pine, NC 28777; (800) 227-3912 www.mitchell-county.com Mount Airy Visitor Center 200 N. Main St. • Mt. Airy, NC 27030; (800) 948-0949 • www.visitmayberry.com NW NC Visitor Center 2121 East US Hwy 421 • North WIlkesboro, NC 28659 • (336) 667-1259 NC High Country Host Visitor Center 1700 Blowing Rock Rd. • Boone, NC 28607; (800) 438-7500 www.mountainsofnc.com Old Fort Visitor Center 25 W. Main Street • Old Fort, NC 28762 (888) 233-6111 • www.visitmcdowell.com Piedmont Triad Visitor Center 700 NC Hwy 700 Pelham, NC 27311; (800) 388-9830
TENNESSEE Anderson County Visitor Center 115 Welcome Lane • Clinton, TN 37716; (800) 524-3602 • www.yallcome.com Clairborne Co. Chamber of Commerce 1732 Main St., Suite 1 Tazewell, TN 37879; (423) 626-4149 www.clairbornecounty.com Coker Creek Visitor Center 12197 Hwy. 68 • Tellico Plains, TN 37385 (423) 261-2286 Elizabethton Visitor Center 500 19E Bypass; POB 190 Elizabethton, TN 37644; (423) 547-3850 www.tourelizabethton.com Erwin/Unicoi Co. Chamber of Commerce 100 S. Main St., POB 713 BRD Erwin, TN 37650; (423) 743-3000 www.valleybeautiful.org Greene Co. Partnership/COB 115 Academy St. Greeneville, TN 37743; (423) 638-4111 www.GreeneCountyPartnership.com Historic Jonesborough 117 Boone St. Jonesborough, TN 37659; (423) 423-753-1010 • Toll Free: 866-401-4223 www.historicjonesborough.com
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The Blue Ridge Digest can be found at these regional visitor’s centers! Johnson City Visitor Center 603 E. Main St. Johnson City, TN 37605; (423) 926-2141, www.johnsoncitytn.com
Buena Vista Visitor Center 595 E. 19th St. • Buena Vista, VA 24417 (540) 261-2880 • buena-vista.va.us.com
Luray/Page County Chamber 18 Campbell Street. Luray, VA 22835; (540) 743-3915 - www.luraypage.com
Smyth County Visitor Center 408 Whitetop Rd., Chilhowie, VA 24319 (276) 646-3306 • VisitVirginiaMountains.com
Johnson County Welcome Center 716 S. Shady St. (Hwy. 421S) Mountain City, TN 37683; (423) 727-5800 jcwc@preferred.com
Carroll County Visitor Center 231 Farmers Market Rd Hillsville, VA 24343 (888) 785-2782 • (276) 730-3100 www.visittheBlueRidge.com
Lynchburg Regional Information Center 216 12th St. at Church St. Lynchburg, VA 24505; (800) 732-5821 www.discoverlynchburg.org
Staunton Travel Information Center 1290 Richmond Rd. (I-81 Exit 222) Staunton, VA 24401 • (540) 332-3972 www.VisitStaunton.com
Madison County Visitor Center 110A N. Main St., Madison, VA 22727 (540) 948-4455 • www.madison-va.com
Staunton Visitor’s Center 35 South New Street, Staunton,VA 24401 540-332-3971 • www.VisitStaunton.com
Martinsville Visitor Center 54 West Church St. • Martinsville, VA 24112 VisitMartinsville.com
Strasburg Chamber of Commerce 157 N. Holiday St. Strasburg, VA 22657; (540) 465-3187 www.strasburgchamber.com
Kingsport Visitor Center 151 E. Main St., POB 1403 BRD Kingsport, TN 37662; (423) 392-8820 www.kingsportchamber.org Loudon County Visitor Bureau 1075 US Hwy 321 • Lenoir City, TN 37771 (865) 568-3662 • www.visitloudoncounty.com Oak Ridge Visitor Center 102 Robertsville Rd • Suite C Oak Ridge, TN 37830; (800) 482-7821, www.visit-or.org Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism 1159 N. Parkway, POB 1390 BRD Pigeon Forge, TN 37868; (800) 251-9100 mypigeonforge.com Rogersville/Hawkins County C of C 107 E. Main St., Ste.100 Rogersville, TN 37857; (423) 272-2186 Scott County Visitor Center 12025 Scott Highway Helenwood, TN 37755 • (800) 645-6905 Smoky Mtn Visitor Center 3540 Line Drive • Kodak, TN 37764 (865) 932-3696
VIRGINIA 1908 Courthouse Welcome Center 129 Davis St Suite 204 Independence VA 24348 (276) 773-2471 Appomattox Visitor Center 214 Main Street. PO Box 246 Appomattox, VA 24522; (434) 352-8999 www.TourAppomattox.com Abingdon Visitor Center 335 Cummings St. • Abingdon, VA 24210 (800) 435-3440 • www.abingdon.com Bedford Visitor Center 816 Burks Hill Rd • Bedford, VA 24523; (877)-HiPeaks • VisitBedford.com Blue Ridge Visitor Center 2577 JEB Stuart Highway Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 276-694-6012
Charlottesville Visitor Center 610 East Main St Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 293-6789 • (434) 970-3641 www.pursueCharlottesville.com Culpeper Visitor Center 109 S. Commerce St. • Culpeper, VA 22701 • (540) 825-8628 www.visitculpeperva.com Danville Visitor Center 645 River Park Dr • Danville, VA 24540; (434) 793-4636 • www.visitdanville.com Discovery Center at Mill Mountain Roanoke's Mill Mountain 215 Church Ave., Room 303 Roanoke, VA 24016 • (540) 853-1236 Explore Park Visitor Center Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 115 Roanoke, VA 24014 • (540) 427-1800
Nelson County Visitor Center 8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Lovingston, VA 22949; (800) 282-8223 www.Nelsoncounty.com Orange Co. Visitor's Center 122 East Main St. • Orange, VA 22960 (877) 222-8072 • www.visitorangevirginia.com Patrick County Chamber of Commerce 20475 JEB Stuart Hwy • PO Box 577 Stuart, VA 24171; (276) 694-6012 www.patrickchamber.com
Virginia Tech Visitor Info Ctr. 965 Prices Fork Rd. • Blacksburg, VA 24061;(540) 231-3548 www.vt.edu/whereweare/visitor-center.com Western Highlands Visitor Center 241 W. Main St. • Covington, VA 24426; (540) 962-2178 • www.alleghanyhighlands.com Winchester-Frederick County CVB 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. Winchester, VA 22601 • (877) 871-1326 www.visitwinchesterva.com
Piedmont Crossroads Visitors Ctr 135A Wood Ridge Terrace Gordonsville, VA 22942
Wytheville CVB 975 Tazewell Street Wytheville, VA 24382; (276) 223-3355 Toll free (877) 347-8307 www.visitWytheville.com
Floyd County Chamber of Commerce Village Green Suite 7 201 East Main Street Floyd, VA 24091 540-745-4407
Prince William Visitor Center 200 Mill St. • Occoquan, VA 22125 703-491-4045 • ticctr@aol.com
Front Royal Visitor Center 414 E. Main St. • Front Royal, VA 22630; (800) 338-3576 • www.discoverfrontroyal.com
Pulaski County Visitor Center 4440 Cleburne Blvd • Dublin, VA 24084 540-674-4161. www.pulaskicounty.org
City of Galax Tourism Department 110 East Grayson St. • Galax, VA 24333 276-238-8130 www.visitgalax.com
Radford Visitor Center 600 Unruh Dr. • Radford, VA 24141 (866) 605-6442 • www.visitradford.com
Greene County Economic Development & Tourism 8315 Seminole Trail, Suite 2 Ruckersville, VA 22968
Roanoke Visitor Information Center 101 Shenandoah Ave., NE Roanoke VA 24016 • (800) 635-5535 www.VisitRoanokeVA.com
Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center 212 S. Main St Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22801 www.HarrisonburgTourism.com (540) 432-8935
Rockfish Gap Visitor Center 130 Afton Circle Afton, VA 22920; (540) 943-5187 www.augustabusiness.org
Lexington Visitor Center 106 E. Washington St. Lexington, VA 24450; (540) 463-3777 www.lexingtonvirginia.com
Salem Visitor Center 1001 Boulevard @ Civic Center Salem, VA 24153; (888) 827-2536 www.visitsalem.com
Loudoun County Tourism 112 South Street • Leesburg, VA 20175 (800) 752-6118 • www.visitloudon.org
Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center 16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy. #2 Moneta. VA 24121 • 540-721-1203 www.visitsmithmountainlake.com
WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia Welcome Center 37 Washington Court at US 340 Harpers Ferry, WV 25435; (866) -HELLO-WV • www.hello-wv.com
KENTUCKY Cumberland Gap Nhp Visitor Center US 25E South • Middlesboro, KY 40965 (606) 248-2817
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Country Boy BBQ
1659 Paint Town Rd/US 19. Cherokee, NC Open late March to early November. Closed Sundays except for holiday weekends. Great beef brisket, ribs & pork bbq. Eat in or carryout. (828) 200-3190
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FALL 2013
The Blue Ridge Parkway Connects Mast Stores Fall is a magnificent time of year to enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway. In fact, you could string together a trip through the mountains and also enjoy stops at your favorite Mast General Store locations along the way.
N
ot far from Original Store and Annex in Valle Crucis, as well as the Boone Store, hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and head south to Julian Price Memorial Park
(milepost 297) not far from Grandfather Mountain. With plenty of trails to hike and lots of spots for setting up camp or enjoy a picnic, Price Park is favorite spot for the entire family. Watching the sun set over Price Lake, framed by flaming fall color, will warm your memories long into the winter. From Downtown Asheville, you can take Town Mountain Road right up the Parkway and head north to the Craggy Pinnacle Trail at milepost 364.1. This short hike offers a stunning panoramic view of endless slopes and peaks, offering breath-taking views of the technicolor landscape.
Enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway Loop Tour that begins on Main Street while visiting Downtown Hendersonville. This loop winds up to the Pisgah National Forest,
2013 Blue Ridge Potters Highlanders Guild Show and Sale The 2013 Show & Sale will be at Festival Patrick Henry High School RADFORD Oct.12 Celtic Games, Clans and Music
Featuring Enter The Haggis
Children’s Activities, Food and Crafts www.radford.edu/festival (540) 831-6255 A partnership between Radford University and the City of Radford, Va.
2102 Grandin Road SW, Roanoke VA
October 18, 19 & 20.
Friday 6-9PM, Saturday 10AM-6PM and Sunday 12-5PM.
on to the Parkway, and takes you right up to the Pisgah Inn at milepost 408.6, boasting sweeping fall views at 5,000 feet. Stop inside the inn for mountain handicrafts and fuel up your tank with a delicious plate of mountain trout. When traveling through Waynesville, an excellent Parkway trail worth exploring is located at Graveyard Fields (milepost 418.8). This field-like area offers gentle hiking with grand autumn views and a main trail that leads to two major waterfalls on the Yellowstone Prong. As you make your autumn journey, Mast General Store is a wonderful respite from auto touring and an opportunity to wander back in time in rural Valle Crucis or along a Main Street in a mountain town. Stop by MastGeneralStore.com for more information, and drop by the FallFoliagePrimer.com to learn all you need to know to enjoy the leaves.
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FALL 2013
18th annual
Harrisonburg International Festival – Sept. 28, 2013
Celebrating the community’s rich intercultural diversity, the Harrisonburg International Festival invites you to join the 18th annual event from 12-6 p.m. at Hillandale Park.
T
his event is free, with plenty of food and crafts available for purchase. Since its inception in 1995, this oneof-a-kind event has continued to bring thousands together for an extravaganza of performing, visual, and culinary arts and a world
Oct. 17-20
U.S. Cellular Center Downtown Asheville, NC Thu.-Sat.: 10am-6pm Sun.: 10am-5pm
Susan Marie Phipps
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www.craftguild.org 828-298-7928
of beautiful people offering a remarkable smorgasbord of mouth-watering delicacies, musical talent and dance, creative folk art, language and intercultural learning opportunities, a World Bazaar of exquisite hand-made and imported art and souvenirs, and a world of stories waiting to be shared! You will find friends from all over the world, foods from Ethiopia, Mexico, India, Thailand, Europe, Puerto Rico, and Central America, talent in music and dance from Aztec, Filipino, Indian, Irish, Chinese, and Kurdish artists, a parade of cultural fashion and dress, and dedicated partners for a better world working for environmental sustainability, green
energy, and peace. This event is family-oriented and handicap accessible with shuttle service for those in need.
For more information visit www.harrisonburg-international-festival.org or call 540-433-6228.
North Carolina's Only Caverns!
LINVILLE CAVERNS Located on U.S. 221 between Linville and Marion, NC. Just 3 1/2 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Exit Milepost 317.4, turn left on U.S. 221 toward Linville Falls Village & Marion, NC
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Music Takes Top Billing at Southwest Virginia Highlanders Festival Kilts, competitions, folk arts and music are on the program for this year’s Radford Highlanders Festival, a daylong celebration of the Appalachian region’s Celtic history.
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eld on the campus of Radford University on Saturday, Oct. 12, the 18th annual festival is expected to draw more than 10,000 people to play heavyweight games like the caber toss, taste Scottish dishes like haggis, watch sheep herding demonstrations and listen to the sounds of bagpipes. Headlining this year’s musical program is the popular band Enter The Haggis. Also performing on the main stage is Arvel Bird. Pipe-anddrum band exhibits are also scheduled through the day. The day will begin with Grand Entry at 10
a.m. Admission to the festival is free. Children’s activities will be offered, and more than 60 craft and food vendors will be on hand. Radford is within driving distance of Richmond (three hours), Charlotte, N.C., (two hours) and Roanoke (40 minutes). The city and the university are 10 minutes from Exit 109 off Interstate 81. Visitors to the Highlanders Festival may also enjoy nearby attractions in Virginia’s storied Blue Ridge Mountains: the Ingles Cabin, Glencoe Museum, the New River, Claytor Lake State Park, the Huckleberry and Appalachian trails, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Learn more about the festival and other attractions at www. radford.edu/festival. On Facebook, search for “Radford Highlanders Festival.” More info: (540) 8316255.
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Staunton | Augusta County Waynesboro There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation – from bicycling and wildlife watching, to hiking and camping, you will find plenty of chances to re-connect with nature.
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ocated in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley where the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive converge – Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro offer the perfect base for exploring the many facets of the Valley. Enjoy a night of theater at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s legendary indoor theatre. Take a tour of the P. Buckley Moss Museum and enjoy the works of one of America’s most recognized artists. History buffs will appreciate the rich history of the area at the Frontier Culture Museum, Waynesboro Heritage Museum, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, and the R.R. Smith Center for History and
Art. Those following the Civil War Sesquicentennial should know that two battles were fought here, but that the stories of the homefront are just as intriguing. Don’t miss the farmer’s markets, which are bustling, colorful affairs, often with live music and the occasional chef demonstration. Sip a glass of
Virginia wine at one of the area’s wineries. The natural wonders of this area will inspire you from rolling hills and a countryside rich with family farms to Natural Chimney’s limestone towers where annual jousting tournaments have taken place for nearly 200 years. In the evening, take in a performance by local and nationally renowned musicians at one of the many music venues. Unwind at an intimate Bed & Breakfasts, cabin, or perhaps opt for a hotel, including one of the Historic Hotels of America.
(540) 942-6512 | (540) 332-3971 www.VAValley.com
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Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries
Best Pick in Virginia for…
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December 6-7 and 13-14, 2013
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he Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries illuminates this mountain village the first two weekends in December. In an era of electronic gadgetry and LED lights, Dillsboro’s celebration is a throwback. Adapted from a Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the Christ child, more than 2,500 candles in white bags line the streets with more than a dozen shops to explore. Meanwhile, the festival starts a new tradition this year by providing snow. Cullowhee-based weather guru Preston Jacobsen plans to blow snow for the festival via his new company, Whee Make Snow. Weather permitting, Jacobsen will create a winter wonderland at the corner of Front and Webster streets where children of all ages can make snowmen and play in the snow. In addi-
tion to the luminaries and snow, the town’s merchant “elves” trim their buildings – many of which date to the late 1800s – in traditional white lights. Shopkeepers also stay open late and serve coffee, warm cider, hot chocolate and homemade goodies to visitors. There will be sing-alongs throughout town, horse-and-carriage rides, WCU students strolling the streets in renaissance costumes, children’s art in the courtyard, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus setting up shop in Town Hall. The Festival of Lights & Luminaries begins each evening at dusk and runs until 9 p.m. There is no admission charge. Dillsboro is located on the Tuckasegee River near Sylva at the crossroads of U.S. Hwy. 23/74 and U.S. Hwy 441 in Jackson County. The town is less than an hour west of Asheville.
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888-217-8823 or 276-238-8130 www.visitgalax.com
MABRY MILL Parkway Icon
M
abry Mill is seen uniquely ‘Blue Ridge Parkway’ to many visitors. The early designers came across this structure in place and knew it had to be part of the Parkway experience. Travelers today see the daily patterns of life and the settled landscape here on the high plateau at places like Mabry Mill. Ed and Lizzy Mabry’s nearly century old gristmill is arguably the Parkway’s most picturesque spot. Ed built this mill and the Mabry’s ground corn for their neighbors for three decades, creating a community gathering place for the folks who called Meadows of Dan home. Although the mill itself is the focal point of the area, visitors are reminded that Ed Mabry was talented in many other areas as well, adding a
wheelwright shop, sawmill and blacksmith shop to his enterprise. Cultural history demonstrations are offered in summer and early fall at the nearby blacksmith shop and Matthews Cabin. The sights and sounds of rural life in Appalachia, community, mountain industry, and the change from an agricultural to an industrial society resonate from this place on a regular basis during the summer season. For more info on the Mill Restaurant & Gift shop, open May-October, visit www.mabrymillrestaurant.com or (276) 952-2947.
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FALL 2013
Carroll County, VA Exit Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 199.4or I-81 Exits 8 or 14
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very year, during the first full weekend in October, thousands of people flock to Tennessee’s oldest town to attend the National Storytelling Festival, a h Milbre Burc celebration of oral traditions from all over the world. Nearly two dozen worldclass tellers have been tapped to perform at this year’s 41st annual festival. From old-time balladeers to modern humorists, the diverse range of performers will share personal stories, ancient legends, folk tales, fairy stories, and more.
Photo: Tom Raymond, Fresh Air Photographics
The 2013 festival will run October 4 – 6, with regular programming scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Night owls can purchase separate tickets for Ghost Stories and Midnight Cabaret concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, at 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., respectively. Featured tellers perform throughout the weekend beneath circus-style tents scattered throughout downtown Jonesborough. Other
activities include the festival’s second annual Story Slam and the Exchange Place, which showcases up-and-coming talent. Regular folks can trade stories at the Swappin’ Ground, grab a snack at the food court, or enjoy a break in the beer and wine garden. Two pre-festival events have been organized for locals and early arrivals. Storytelling icon Donald Davis will christen the grounds of the festival with a special evening performance on Syd Lieberman Wednesday, October 2. Then on Thursday, October 3, musicians Tim O’Brien and Nora Jane Struthers and the Party Line will host an exclusive concert. All tickets are sold separately and advance purchase is recommended. The National Storytelling Festival is sponsored in part by Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Tennessee Arts Commission. For information and ticket prices, visit www.storytellingcenter.net or call 800-952-8392, ext. 221.
Step back in time…… Do you enjoy pick your own farms, clean crisp mountain breezes, the echo of a banjo rolling through the hills? If so you will find everything you are looking for and more in Carroll County, VA. Whether it’s a visit to the Southwest Virginia Farmers Market, a unique winery or maybe a tour to the alpaca farms their variety is diverse there is something for everyone. The Agricultural events are something you will not want to miss beginning in late August with the Agricultural Fair, followed by a unique event that highlights heritage farming “Shockley Old Timey Days” always the last week-end in September and new for 2013 the Annual Fall Foliage and Pumpkin Festival the 3rd weekend in October. The bluegrass music is always on and the outdoor recreation and splendor never take a day off so plan a vacation to Carroll County anytime! For more info: www.visittheblueridge.com
888-785-2781
FALL 2013
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Wythe History…
Intersection I-81/I-77 in Southwest Virginia
…Comes Adventure!
Stroll through history, hike a trail bursting with wildlife, experience an evening of musical entertainment, sample a locally crafted wine. A visit to this small town offers authentic adventures Wythe a historical touch.
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Wytheville virginia
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Visitor Guides 1-877-347-8307 www.VisitWytheville.com